Wednesday, January 23, 2013

A Book Of Dreams

Alaska Book on Trunk 2For quite awhile my sweetheart and I have talked and dreamed about going to Alaska.  It’s something we really want to do but it hasn’t happened yet.  It’s on our list – near the top!  So, while we think and dream and plan, we love to read all we can about the beauty of our state to the north.  And when there’s a chance to see photos – especially those of someone we know – it’s an inspiration to keep planning to make our dream come true.
I have a friend – a dear blog friend – who has been to Alaska and brought it back through her photography.  Donna began to share Alaska photos shortly after I discovered her blog (Cottage Days and Journeys) - and I must say that I was mesmerized!  I was enchanted and as I studied each photo she shared I commented and told her of our dream.  She encouraged us to go – even suggested that we should join them on their last trip!  Since that wasn’t possible, I was content to see Alaska through her eyes.  Donna continued to encourage me and inspire me – and then one day last fall she announced a give-away.  She was giving away two photo books she had ‘published’.  All I had to do was comment often through the months of November and December – and hope and pray that my name would be drawn.  The first place winner would have her choice of books – one was a variety of photos from around Alaska and the other was all about the brown bears of Alaska.  I would have been happy with either book, but my heart really longed for the one with a variety of photos from all around Alaska.  The day came for the drawing and then – Donna sent me an email telling me that my name had been the first drawn.  Oh – oh – oh!  I could hardly believe it.  Soon the book was on its way to my home and when it arrived there was a sweet, little note tucked inside.  On one of Donna’s handmade notecards.Alaska Book PackageWhen I removed the tissue paper – there it was.  I’m sure I must have squealed with delight!Alaska Book Package OpenI knew exactly where this beautiful book belonged.  It is at home on my vintage trunk/coffee table – for everyone who comes by to see.  And it has been seen.  And admired.Alaska BookThe first page sets the scene for the rest of the book.Alaska Book 1 Then – pages and pages of gorgeous photos.  My photos of the pages can’t possibly do it justice.  There is wildlife and breathtaking scenery. . .Alaska Book 2Alaska Book 3And some of the brown bears of Alaska.Alaska Book 4Flora and Tundra and exquisite carvings. . .Alaska Book 5Alaska Book 6And the most fascinating rustic towns and photos of ice and snow so real you can almost feel the chill.Alaska Book 7Alaska Book 8At the end, a graphic and a few words that wrap it all up. . .Alaska Book 9And a sweet note and autograph.Alaska Book AutographI love beautiful coffee table books.  I’ve gathered a few – some by famous photographers.  But this one is the best.  It’s a treasure – a gift from the heart of a dear friend.  Given with love and a note that encourages us to enjoy the photos.  With hopes that we will see them in person someday.  Soon.  I placed two special pieces of my Willow Tree collection beside my new book.  One piece (Wisdom) was given to me by my dear, little mother – and one (Spirited Child) was from my daughter.  A mother, reading, and a daughter, listening.  And I smile every time I walk by.Alaska Book on Trunk 3Donna also made two desktop calendars to give away.  You can see one of them here.

14 comments:

  1. What a blessing to win this book! I also like the little vignette you created. I had no idea you wanted to go to Alaska! My dream trip would be France. :)

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  2. That looks like a beautiful book. I'll bet you two will be going to Alaska before too long. :) I'm glad you have the little collection. I think you won one from my giveaway. Thanks for your sweet visit and comments today. Hugs ~

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  3. What a gorgeous book! I so hope you guys get to Alaska one of these days very soon. It's a gorgeous state. My dad grew up in Ketchikan and my grandparents were fishermen based out of there.
    Is that book available for purchase? Popping over to Donna's site right now!

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  4. I am overjoyed that you won and are thoroughly enjoying the book! Thank you so much for your kind words and sharing the images of it with others.

    Funny, but I just now saw a typo! Oh dear, oh dear. And I proofread it a million times, at least, LOL! I'm sorry! Well, just keep looking over those photos and start making your plans for fulfilling your dream trip to Alaska!

    I plan to do some more photo books. I'll probably use Blurb next time so that I can create electronic photo books in addition to printed books. I will be able to sell them through Blurb too, if anybody is interested.

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  5. truly awesome job she did in putting that together! her photos are astounding, so to have a collection put together in a book is really wonderful.

    i, too, love that she signed my calendar. :)

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  6. So beautiful Adrienne - what a treasure. blessings, marlene

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  7. Wonderful! Alaska is enormous and like another country even though it's just to the north of you. I'm sure you'll get there one day. So nice you stopped by to visit me. I appreciate the nice feedback!

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  8. Wow what gorgeous photos! Alaska looks like such a beautiful place. I could only visit in the summer since I'm not fond of the cold (which is why I live in Georgia :D)
    One of my favorite shows is Alaska the last Frontier with the Kilcher family.

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  9. Hi Adrienne! Oh, I'm so thrilled for you to win this beautiful book. It looks amazing! I have been to Alaska on a cruise (twice, I'm sorry) and it was wonderful. I do pray you'll get to go soon!
    Love your little figures.
    Just saw on FB you're going on a movie date! Have fun.
    Be a sweetie,
    shelia ;)

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  10. What a nice book, and lucky you for winning it! Must be a "sign," a prelude to what will come!

    I read on FB that you are out to see Les Miserables tonight. Let me know how you like it. We saw it and like it a lot. There's a message there for sure. Our priest even talked about it one Sunday.

    Katherine

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  11. What a lovely gift for someone to dream on.

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  12. Alaska is indeed a beautiful state. In May of 2004 Reuben and I left in our Motor Home, followed by his sister & her husband in their motor Home. We spend three months exploring the beautiful sights and it was a very memorable trip. Go... you and your husband deserve it!!

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  13. What a lovely book ~ such wonderful photos, I know that you are going to enjoy your visual trip to Alaska.

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  14. Hope you get to realise your dream. These albums are amazing. I made one up for Grandson with all the pics from his first 'holiday' with grandma.

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I am grateful that you stopped by to visit me. Your kind and gracious comments are appreciated and treasured.